Basement conversions. Why are they so popular in London? If you walk around Fulham you will see lightwells on the ground in front of the front bay windows. That is where a basement has been built. Many of the homes in Fulham have had basements placed in to their property and it makes sense. Basements are a great way to add square footage to your property and therefore increase your property’s value.
With space being an issue for people in London, and properties not being the biggest and an inability to build out sideways in a terrace, the decision to either build up or build down is considered.
When building up, loft conversions can be incredibly beneficial. However, they do run into issues with planning approval in certain areas. Planning will not be granted in some situations when the exterior of the property wants to be altered which will make it look out of place on the street.
If this is happening to you but you want to stay in your property and not move, a basement is worth thinking about.
Basements add square footage and add to the value of the property. What one costs depends on the internal finishes and on the structure and support the existing house needs, and our published rates are on the cost calculator.
An extra bedroom, a gym, a utility room, a wine cellar, a play area or a media room. What suits depends on the plan above it.
Basements can take time to complete. There are a lot more steps involved, party walls, excavating, underpinning, damp proofing, but when it is done properly, and it is worth getting professionals in, the house gains a whole floor.
Here at NU Projects we have been doing basement conversions since we opened in 2010. Along with side return extensions and loft conversions, basements are our bread and butter.
If you are wondering what to do with your property, give us a call on 020 7731 6841, or tell us about the house.
Published 7 October 2019. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.